June 23, 2004

One Giant Leap For Common Man

SpaceShipOne flew into orbit, and thus into the history books as the first non-government funded craft to enter zero-gravity space. Mike Melvill piloted SpaceShipOne, mentioning that it was "a hell of a view", as well as "a religious experience". After landing at the Mojave airport, Melville and SpaceShipOne were greeted with cheers and questions about the $10 Million "X Prize".

The X Prize will be awarded to the first non-commercial craft which flies into orbit twice within a two week period with at least one live person, and the weight of at least three average people in the cabin. Obviously, this may mark the beginning of a new millenium space race. Get ready to go where no common man, other than Mike Melvill, has gone before.